Drivers were stranded, a major roadway was shut down for hours, bomb squads were called in and authorities from several federal and local agencies investigated after an incident left at least one person dead on the Eisenhower Expressway in Chicago’s western suburbs.
But one day after the chaotic scene unfolded, details surrounding the bizarre series of events remain sparse.
Here’s what we know so far:
How it began
The situation started with what appeared to be a disabled vehicle on the side of the expressway. The vehicle had come to rest in the outbound lanes near Mannheim in Westchester.
Sky5 reporter Mike Lorber noted Illinois State Police called the incident an “explosion” multiple times in their dispatches, though police have yet to confirm what happened to the vehicle. Footage showed the windows and windshield appeared to be shattered.
Bomb squad technicians were seen surrounding the vehicle at times, but authorities would only say they were investigating an “active incident.” At one point, investigators erected a white tent around the vehicle as they continued to search for evidence.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed a fatality related to the incident, but no identity was given and no cause of death has been released so far.
The village said there was no threat to the area.
“We appreciate your patience and cooperation as emergency personnel work to manage the situation safely,” the village said.
The closures
Part of the Eisenhower Expressway in the western suburbs was shut down for more than eight hours in both directions as police and bomb technicians investigated the “active incident.”
Traffic was so bad drivers were seen stranded on the roadway, some exiting their vehicles and sitting on medians or standing on the highway.
All lanes of the expressway reopened just before 7 p.m.
What we know about the investigation
Illinois State Police were called to the scene, but ultimately called in assistance first from the Cook County Bomb and Arson Squad, then the FBI and the ATF, according to authorities. The DEA also joined the investigation.
“The Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago Field Division is supporting an investigation related to the incident that occurred this morning on the Eisenhower Expressway in Westchester, Illinois. We stand ready to assist our law enforcement partners as they continue their investigation. At this time, there is no known threat to public safety,” the DEA said in a statement.
The Village of Westchester said in a statement local police were also assisting at the request of ISP.
The FBI and ATF Chicago offices are the lead investigating agencies, according to officials.
Further details on what happened have not yet been released by any agency involved.
